Comestible treating apparatus



Feb. 26, 1963 2. BLOCK ETAL COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 24, 1957 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Feb. 26, 1963 2. BLOCK ETAL COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 24, 1957 INVENTOR BY 2 (0m WAZI'TORNEY Feb. 26, 1963 2. BLOCK ETAL COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 24, 1957 INVENTOR Feb. 26, 1963 2. BLOCK ETAL COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS '7 Sheet's Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 24, 1957 wml INVENTOR g ATTORNEY Feb. 26, 1963 z. BLOCK ETAL 3,078,979

COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 24, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 16m H H 1- l 96 j j 2 /42 $8 80 I8! #3}: I

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l1 l A ll, m ,*50 -J INVENTOR BY ,4 fi- LLMAW ATTORNEY Feb. 26, 1963 z. BLOCK ET AL COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 24, 1957 nlll INVENTOR ATTORNEY Feb. 26, 1963 2. BLOCK ETAL COMESTIBLE TREATING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. .24, 1957 R O T N E V m ATTORNEY The present invention relates generally to an improved apparatus "for-the manufacture of comestibles, and it relates more particularly toa'n improvedapparatus for'the manufacture of baked products, such as triedcakes and theilike.

{In the manufacture or baked products, such as fried cakes, the lpalatabilit'y, appearance and shelf life under various packaging "conditions of the end product'are of primaryimportance. it has been found thattheoptimum conditions for handling and treating'the friedcakes immediately upon or shortly aftertheir removal from the trier or cooker depend uponthenature of the-fried cake as well as upon the surrounding atmospheric conditions.

This isparticularly true where arapid cooling of'the fried cakes is to be eiiected. Thus, it has been found that the optimum conditions for the post cooking or trying or other treatment ofv plain doughnuts, of glazed yeastraised doughnuts and of Bismark doughnuts are considerably difierent. Improper treatment'and cooling of t. e freshly fried cakes results in an inferior product in respect to their palatability, appearance and shelf life.

his thus a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for the production of comestibles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for the manufacture of baked products, such as fried cakes and the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for the treatment of warm,

freshly pre :ared fried cakes.

-A further-object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for the treatment of warm, freshly preparedtried cakes to place them in'optimum condition for further handling and treatment and packaging.

Still aturther object'of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for the rapid cooling of freshly 'fried cakes to produce a uniform end product of the highest quality, and in optimum condition for further-handling and packaging.

The above'andother-ohjects ofthe present invention willbecom'e apparent from a reading ofthe following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention shown partially diagrammatically;

FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic and schematic view of thecircuit network and conveyor motivating system associated with the improved apparatus;

FIGURE '3 is a front diagrammatic view of the conveyor drive and gear system; I

FIGURE 4 is a top plan diagrammatic view of the conveyor drive and gear system;

FIGURE 5 is a vertical, longitudinal, sectional view of the improved apparatus partially broken away for convenien'ce of illustration; I I

FZGURE 6 is a sectional, enlarged, detailedview taken along line 66 in FIGURES;

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view partially broken away and partially in section of the tray feed mechanismassociated with the improved apparatus;

FIGURE 8 is-a'sectional view taken along line -3'in FIGURE 7, the tray support bracket being illustrated in 3,0?8,979 Patented Feb. 26, 1%63 ice Jjull line in tray-delivery position and in broken line'in tray receiving Iposition;

FIGURE 9 is a front elevational, enlarged, detailed view of-the' conveyor motivating system illustrated in retracted position;

FIGURE '10 is a view similar to FIGURE 9illustratlng themotivating system in advanced position;

FIGURE 11 is a front 'elevational view partially insection and partially broken-awayof another form-of tray delivery mechanism which may be employed in association with theprcsent apparatus;

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged, detailed view, partially broken away, of the tray engaging arrangement illustrated in full line-in tray engaging position and in broken line 'indepressed position;

FIGURE 13 is asectiorialviewdaken along-line 13-13 in FIGURE 12; and

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view-taken along :line l4-14 'inFIGURE 13.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGURES '1, 5 and 6 thereof, the numeral it generally designates the comestible treating cabinet in accordance with the present invention and the numeral 11 designates the improved tray feeding device. The cabinet iii is formed of'two upright chambers 12 and 13 respectively arranged inend-to-end relationship and supported above floor level 'by suitable pedestals or upright foot pieces 14-.

The sides of the chambers 12 and 13 and the rear vface of the'chamber 12 and the'front face of the chamber 13 are double'wallcd being formed of suitably supported spaced panels, the space between the respective wall panels being sufiicient to accommodate various of the operating mechanisms as will be hereinafter'set forth.

The abutting end Walls 16 and 17 of the chambers '12 and 13 respectively have lower and upper registering transverse slots 13 and 19 formed therein to permit the transfer of trays between successive chambers 12 and 13 and the flow of air between the chambers.

The chamber 12 is divided into two similarly shaped compartments 20 and-21 by a vertical panel ZZ-extending upwardly from the base or floor 23 of the chamber 12 to a point below the roof '24 of the cabinet to so as to aiiordcommunication between thecompartments 2t and 21 along their upper part permitting the transferoi trays from compartment Zil'to 21 and the fiowof air along the upper part'of the chamber 12. Similarly, the chamber 13 is divided into .two similarly shaped compartments 26 and '27 by means of a suitably supported vertical partition 28 extending :from a point above the floor 29 of the chamber 13 to a point below the roof 24 of the cabinet 10. Thus,-communication is afforded between the'com- .partments 26 and 27 along the upper portions-thereof is formed in the leading'end wall of the chamber 13 and is likewise at the horizontal level-0t the transverse slot 18. The chambers 12-and 13 areeachprovided with apair of window carrying doors 32 having transparent panes to thereby permit visua l access to each of the compartments 20, 21, 26 and 27 without opening the doors and also permitting physical access to these compartments. Furthermore, the fioor 23 of the chamber 12 in the vicinity of the compartments 20 is perforated as at 33 to permit the ingress into the compartment 20 of atmospheric air.

v In order to e tfect the-controlled circulation of conditioned air through the cabinet 10 there are provided a main exhaust fan 34, an auxiliary exhaust fan 36 and a blower 37. The main exhaust fan 34 may be of the conventional centrifugal type and is mounted on a bracket 38 carried on the upper portion of the front wall of the chamber 13. The inlet to the exhaust fan 34 is connected by way of a conduit 39 to the interior of the upper portion of the cabinet so that a reduced pressure is established along the upper part of the cabinet 10 whereby to effect the upward flow of air through the various compartments Ztl, 21, 26 and 27. The auxiliary exhaust fan 36 is mounted on the roof 24 of the cabinet 10 directly above the first compartment 28 and has its opening connected by-way or a conduit to the upper portion of the compartment 213. It should be noted that the auxiliary exhaust fan 36 not only effects the upward flow of air through the compartment 20 but also tends to increase the upward flow of air through the compartment 21.

The exhaust fan 34 is driven by a suitable electric motor 40 which is connected by way of a switch 4-1 to a power line 42 which in turn is connected to a source of current by way of a main switch 4-3. Similarly, the exhaust fan 36 is driven by a suitable motor 44 which is connected by way of a switch 46 to the power line 42. Both the fans 34 and 36 may exhaust directly into the atmosphere.

The blower 37 is mounted on the roof 2d of the cabinet 10 at the junction of the chambers 12 and 13 and has its outlet connected to a vertical duct i7 extending downwardly and terminating at its lower end in oppositely extending legs 48 and 49 respectively. Transversely extending ducts 56) and Si communicate with the ends of the duct legs 48 and 49 and enter the cabinet chambers 12 and 13 at the lower regions of the compartments 21 and 26 respectively.

Upwardly directed openings 52 are formed at the termini of the entrant ducts 50 and 51 at about the central portion of the compartments 21 and 26 below the level of the feed and discharge openings 29 and 30. Disposed above each of the openings 52 and below the levels of the tray feed and discharge openings 29 and 39 are plate bafiles 53 mounted on upright legs 54 secured to the ducts 5t and 51 respectively.

The blower 37 is driven by a motor 55 which is connected by way of a switch 45 to the power line 42. It should be noted that the capacity of the exhaust fan 34 and the blower 37 are approximately the same and that when all the fans are operating air is blown by the fan 37 through the ducts 47, 48, 49, 5t} and 51 into the compar-tments 21 and 26 and through the bottom opening in the panel 28 into the compartment 27 from which com partments the air is withdrawn along the upper portions of the cabinet 1% by the fan 34 and exhausted to the atmosphere.

In the compartment 20 the air flows upwardly from the atmosphere through the openings 33 therein and the major portion thereof is exhausted by the exhaust fan 36 into the atmosphere. When the exhaust fan 36 is deenergized the flow of air through the compartment 2! is at a minimum. A suitably adjusted flap valve 56 is located in the lower portion of the duct 43 in order to permit a variation of the volume of air directed into the separate compartments 21, 26 and 27.

In order to condition the air flowing through the compartments 21, 25 and 27 and to regulate the relative humidity and temperature thereof a steam nozzle 57 having an upwardly directed opening is located in the upper portion of the duct 47 in the direct path of the flow of air therethrough and is connected by way of a solenoid operated valve 58 to a suitable source of steam.

The solenoid of the valve 58 is connected through a wet bulb thermostat 5% and a switch 69 to a source of solenoid energizing current. The wet bulb thermostat 59 is located within the flow of air entering the inlet of the exhaust fan 34- and is of any well known type. The wet bulb thermostat 59 closes a switch upon the wet bulb temperature falling below a preadjusted level to connect the solenoid of the valve 58 to the energizing current and thereby eliect an opening of the steam valve 58 and the injection of steam by way of the nozzle 57 into the air flowing through the duct 47. When the wet bulb temperature is above the preset level the thermostat switch 59 opens, deenergizing the solenoid of the valve 53 thereby closing the valve and cutting oil the supply of steam to the nozzle 57. In the event that it is not desired to inject steam into the air flow the switch 60 may be opened.

Also located in the upper portion of the duct 47 is an upwardly directed atomizing nozzle 63 of any well known type connected to a source of compressed air by way of a solenoid operated valve 64 and to a source of water under pressure by way of a solenoid valve 65. The actuating solenoids of the valves 64 and 65 are connected in parallel and through a dry bulb thermostat 66 and a normally closed switch 57 to a source of solenoid energizing current. The thermostat 66 is likewise located in the flow of air entering the suction inlet of the exhaust fan 34 and is similar to the thermostat 59, being, however, responsive to the dry bulb temperature of the air and elfecting a closing of the thermostat switch when the temperature exceeds a preadjusted level and opening the thermostat switch when the temperature drops below a predetermined level.

Thus, at temperatures below predetermined temperature the solenoids of the valves 64 and 65 are deenergized thereby cutting the injection of a vapor mist into the air flow in the duct 47 when the dry bulb temperature exceeds a predetermined level the thermostatic switch 65 closes to thereby energize the solenoids of the valves 64 and 65 to effect the injection of water vapor into the air flow in the duct 43. By opening the switch 67 the injection of water vapor into the duct 43 is pr vented.

In order to increase the temperature of the air flowing through the compartment Zti, which condition is often desired, as will be hereinafter set forth, an electric heating element 63 is located in the lower part of the compartment 26 directly above the openings 33 formed in the floor 23. The heating element 68 is connected through a control box 69 and a switch 70 to a source of current. The control box 69, which may be of any well known type, has its control terminals connected to an adjustable thermostat or other heat responsive element 71 which is located at approximately the middle of the compartment 20 directly below the level of the feed opening 2?. Thus, the temperature of the air circulating through the compartment 20 may be raised to or regulated at any desired temperature.

In order to transport the loaded trays which are perforated and preferably in the form of grids, through the successive compartments 20, 21, 26 and 27 there are provided a pair of interconnected intermittently driven endless conveyor systems located in the chambers 12 and 13 respectively. Each of the conveying systems, as best seen in FIGURES 3 through 6 of the drawings, includes a pair of laterally spaced endless sprocket chains 82 each having an upper horizontal run 32a located below the chamber top wall 24 and a lower horizontal run 8215 located a short distance above the chamber floor 23, a trailing vertical run 320 and a leading vertical run 82d.

Each of the sprocket chains 82 is carried by a plurality of sprocket wheels 8% located at the corners of the path of the sprocket chains 82, the sprocket wheels 33' being affixed and rotatable with laterally extending suit ably supported shafts 81 so as to synchronously rotate. A second pair of laterally spaced endless sprocket chains 35 are disposed within the area of and coplanar with the sprocket chains 82 and include spaced vertical runs 55a and b respectively. The sprocket chains 85 are carried by sprocket wheels 83 alfixed to and rotatable with transversely extending suitably supported shafts 34. The sprocket chains 82 and 85 are intermittently adsmear-9 vanced in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIGURES 2 and of the drawings.

The mechanism for synchronizing the sprocket chains 82 and 85 throughout the apparatus so that the increments of advance thereof in a vertical direction are identical and at the same time, include sprocket wheels 86 affixed to the upper adjacent shafts 81a and S112 located in the successive chambers 12 and 13 and coupled by a sprocket chain 87. The shaft 81a has affixed thereto a sprocket wheel 88 which is connected by way of a sprocket chain 89 to a sprocket wheel 90 fixed to a stub shaft 91. The stub shaft 91 is connected by way of a gear train 92 to the upper shaft 84 in the cabinet 12 so that the peripheral speeds of the sprocket wheels 30 and 33 are the same. The upper forward shaft 81d in the cabinet 13 carries a sprocket wheel 38a connected by a sprocket chain 89a to a sprocket wheel 90a carried on a stub shaft 910 which is connected by way of a gear train 92a to the upper shaft 84 in the leading cabinet 13. Thus, the sprocket chains 82 and 35 in the cabinets 12 and 13 are synchronously driven.

Located on each of the sprocket chains 82 and 85 are inwardly directed tray supporting elements '96, the spacing of the elements along the chain being equal to the intermittent increment of advance of the sprocket chains as Will be hereinafter set forth. The tray supporting elements so are arranged on the sprocket chains 82 and 85 so as to lie in vertically spaced horizontal planes so that a tray carried by a set of elements 96 is likewise horizontal. The increments of advance of the chains 82 and 85 as well as the distance between successive elements 96 are such as to permit the location of a loaded tray between successive sets of elements 96 without intereference therewith and preferably with a minimum of clearance thereby resulting in a maximum capacity of the apparatus.

In order to intermittently advance the sprocket chains 82 and 85 a predetermined increment there is aifixed to the upper leading shaft 810 and rotatable therewith a ratchet wheel 101) having regularly spaced recesses 181 formed in the periphery thereof. Also carried by the shaft 81d adjacent to the wheel 1tltiand rotatable relative to the shaft SM is a swingable arm 162 the free end of which is connected to the outer end of a piston rod 1% actuated by a vertical pneumatic cylinder C1. The cylinder C1 has its lower end pin connected to a bracket 1% suitably mounted on the front wall of the chamber 13.

A second pneumatic cylinder C2 is longitudinally,

movably supported on the arm 1&2 by means of tracks 1% and is provided with a forward projecting pallet detent 1&7 which is adapted to register with successive recesses 1%1 formed in the wheel 1%. The cylinder C2 is provided with a piston rod 168 having its free end fixed to the outer end of the arm m2, the stroke of the cylinder C2 being sufficient to effect alternatively complete engagement and disengagement between the pallet detent 18-7 and the respective recesses 191. The cylinder C2 is normally air urged in a direction effecting e11- gagement of a recess 161 by the detent 167.

A pneumatic cylinder C3 is slidably mounted on the side wall of the chamber 13 and is provided at its leading end with a forwardly directed pawl detent 1d? adapted to register with a recess 11M formed in the wheel 1%. The piston rod 11w? of the cylinder C3 is affixed 0 the side Wall of the chamber 13 and is normally air urged so that the detent lei is in engagement with a respective recess 191 and is withdrawn from engagement therewith upon actuation of the cylinder C3 as will be hereinafter set forth.

A two-way switch S3 has an actuating arm which is disposed in the path of the arm 192 and is engaged by the arm 162 at the terminus of its forward stroke. A pair of suitably supported normally open and normally closed switches S2 and S15 respectively are also located in the path of the arm 1112 and are provided with actuating arms which are engaged by the arm 102 at the lowermost terminus of its stroke. The switch S2 is a normally open snap switch which momentarily closes during actuation thereof and remains open during release. The cylinders C1, C2 and C3 are each controlled by four-way solenoid-operated valves V1, V2 and V3 respectively as will be hereinafter set forth.

The mechanism for effecting the feeding of a tray through the opening 29 into the chamber 12, the transfer of trays through the opening .18 from the compartment 21 to the compartment 26 and the discharge of the trays from the chamber 13 through the opening 39 includes longitudinally spaced successive pairs of laterally spaced longitudinally extending endless sprocket chains 112, 113, and 114, respectively carried by corresponding sprocket wheels 116 mounted on transverse shafts 117, 113 and 119 respectively, the trailing shaft 117 being spaced rearwardly of the trailing wall of the chamber 12 a distance greater than the length of a tray and the shaft 119 being located forward of the leading wall of the chamber 13. The leading shaft 117 of 'the chains 112 and the trailing shaft 118 of the chains 113 carry sprocket wheels which are coupled by a connecting sprocket chain 120. Sprocket wheels 121 are affixed to the trailing shafts 118 and 119 of the chains 113 and 114 and are each coupled by way of sprocket chains 122 to sprocket wheels 1% mounted on shafts 126 located in the lower part of the cabinet. Sprocket wheels 127 are also affixed to the shafts 126 and engage a sprocket chain 128 the ends of which are connected to the respective ends of a .piston rod 129 extending through a horizontal pneumatic cylinder C7 and associated with a corresponding piston. The cylinder C7 is controlled by a four-way solenoid-actuated valve V7. A pair of upright legs 13% are mounted at the free ends of the piston rod 129. Located in the path of the .respective legs ass are the normally open switches S7 and S9 respectively.

.Each of the chains 112, 113 and 114 carry a tray engaging dog 132. The stroke of the piston C7 and the ratios of the associated sprocket wheels are such that each of the dogs 132 is advanced and retracted upon corresponding actuation of the cylinder C7 so as to engage a tray and advance it through the opening 29 into a position resting on a set of supporting elements as and to transfer a tray from the compartment 21 into registry with a set of supporting elements 96 in the compartment 26 and to discharge a tray from the conveyor in the compartment 27 through the discharge opening 3t). It should be noted that the upper runs of the sprocket chains 112, 113 and 114 are spaced laterally inwardly from the inner ends of the tray supporting elements 96 and slightly above the upper surfaces of the sets of elements 96 in alignment with the openings 18, 29 and 36 when said elements are in their best positions.

The arrangement for transferring the trays from the compartments 2t) and 26 to the compartments 21 and 27 respectively through the corresponding openings in the partitions 22 and 23 include a retractable track mechanism and a tray shifting mechanism. The retractable track mechanism is located in each of the chambers 12 .and 13 and includes a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spaced rocking shafts 133 disposed outside the lower periphery of the upper sprocket wheels and suitably rotatably supported. Mounted on each of the shafts 133 and rotatable therewith are brackets 134 carrying at their free end angle members 135 defining tracks which are of a length slightly less than the distance between the vertical flights of the sprocket chains 82 and 85. Mounted at the ends of each of the shafts 135 adjacent an end wall of the respective chambers 12 and .13 is a lever 136 the free end of which is coupled by :means of a connecting rod 137 to a cross-head 138 .car-

ried by .a piston rod .139. Each-of the piston rods .139

' responding arms 15312 and 153a.

is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder C4 and C5 respectively to rock the shafts 133 to bring the tracks 135 into an advanced horizontal coplanar position when the piston rod 139 is in its advanced position, and to retract the tracks 135 outof the path of the tray supporting elements 96 when the piston rod 139 is in its retracted position. The pneumatic cylinders C4 and C5 are mounted on the end walls of the climbers 12 and 13 respectively and a laterally extending arm 14% is carried by each of the cross heads 138. Normally open switches S4 and S5 respectively are disposed in the path of the arms 14-!) and are actuated to closed position upon the piston rod 139 reaching its advanced position. Associated with the pneumatic cylinders C4 and C5 are solenoid-operated four-way valves V4 and V5 respectively.

In order to shift the trays along the engaging tracks 135 between the successive compartments 2% and 21 and 26 and 27 there are provided two longitudinally spaced pairs of laterally spaced sprocket chains 141 located above the tracks 13S and extending from the trailing ends of the compartments 2d and 26 into the traiing ends of the compartments 21 and 27 respectively. The sprocket chains 141 are carried and advanced by and between sprocket wheels 142 mounted on suitably rotatably supported laterally extending shafts 143a and 14317. Eacn of the shafts 1l3b carries a sprocket wheel 144 which is chain coupled to a sprocket 146 afiixed to a rotatable stub shaft 147. The stub shafts 147 have aifixed thereto sprocket wheels 1455 about which extends a sprocket chain 149 the free ends of which are connected to the ends of a piston rod 150 which is reclprocable by a pneumatic cylinder C6 carried on the side wall of the cabinet 1%). Depending from each pair of sprocket chains 141 are a pair of laterally spaced tray advancing dogs 152 which extend to a point slightly below the tracks 135. The stroke of the piston rod 1% and the ratios of the various sprockets are such that the dogs traverse a path from a point shortly anterior of the trailing vertical flight of the sprocket chains 82 to a point immediately anterior of the leading vertical flight of the sprocket chains 35. Switchactuating arms 153a and 153i) depend from the free end of the piston rod 150. Normally open switches S6 and S3 are disposed in the paths of the actuating arms 153i) and 153a respectively so as to effect a closing of the respective switches S6 and S8 when engaged by cor- The cylinder C6 is controlled by a solenoid-operated four-way valve V6.

The tray feeding device 15. sequentially delivers the individual trays into the cabinet 16 through the feed opening 29 and is disposed between the trailing end wall of the cabinet ill and a tray transporting forwardly upwardly inclined endless conveyor 156. The tray feeding device 11 includes a frame member comprising a pair of laterally spaced upright legs 157 located rearwardly of the cabinet trailing wall and connected along their bottom by a cross piece 158 from which depends a pair of ve ically adjustable foot pieces 15% resting on suitable pedestals. The legs 157 are connected to the trailing wall of the cabinet it? by upper and lower pairs of horizontal stringers 16b and 161 respectively. The stringers 16% carry along their inner faces a pair of horizontal longitudinally extending angle shaped track members 163 which are in alignment with the cabinet feed opening 2%, the bearing surfaces thereof being slightly above the upper surfaces of a set of tray supporting elements in alignment with the feed opening 29 when the sprocket chains 32 and d5 are in rest position.

A pair of substantially vertical longitudinally extending guide plates 164 are located along the length of the tracks 163 adjacent to their outer edges, the upper edges of the guide plates 164 being upwardly forwardly inclined and their inner faces being forwardly and outwardly inclined and downwardly and inwardly inclined. The

sprocket chains 112 are at about the level of the tracks 1&3 and pass around the trailing sprocket wheels 116.: carried on stub shafts mounted on the upper stringers 16% The lower runs of the sprocket chains 112 pass over and under the idler sprocket wheels 166 and 167 respectively which are rotatably carried by transversely extending axles supported by and between the stringers 169.

The tray feeding arrangement also includes a rockable bracket 16? having a forwardly extending upper leg 17%) having forward and rear coplanar supporting members 171 and a depending leg 172 terminating in a transversely extending bearing member 173. The bearing member 173 rotatably engages an axle 17d supported by and be tween brackets 176 carried on the cross piece 153. A longitudinally extending flat platform member 177 is mounted on the support members 171 and is disposed between and is of lesser width than the distance between the laterally spaced sprocket chains 112. The legs 17% and 172 of the bracket member 169 form an obtuse angle with each other so that when the leg 1'72 is in vertical position the platform 17? is substantially coplanar with the conveyor 156 and when the bracket 16' is in its forward position the platform 1'77 is substantially horizontal and extends to a point adjacent to the feed opening 29.

A rearwardly extending medially located rectangular recess 1'78 is formed along the forward border of the platform 17 7. A resilient arm 17% defined by a flat leaf spring has its trailing edge secured to the underface of the platform 177 and extends upwardly and forwardly through the opening 178 to a point above the upper face of the platform 177. A normally open switch Sit) is suitably supported below the platform 177 and has an actuating plunger confronting the underfacc of the resilient arm 17% so that when the free end of the resilient arm 17h is urged to the level of the platform 177 a closing of the switch Sltl is effected.

A pneumatic cylinder 03 is pivotally supported for rotation about a horizontal transverse axis by a bracket 180 supported by and between the stringers 161. The piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder Cd is pin-connected to a bracket 181 carried by the bracket leg 372 substantially intermediate the ends thereof. The pneumatic cylinder C8 is controlled by a solenoid-operated four-way valve VS. Disposed in too path of the bracket leg 172 are a pair of switches S11 and 516 which are actuated when the platform 177 reaches its horizontal position. The switch S11 is a normally open snap switch which closes momentarily upon actuation thereof but remains open during release. The switch S16 is a normally open switch urged to closed position upon actuation by the bracket leg 172. It should be noted that the dogs 132 are of such dimensions that they are below the level of the platform 177 when the latter is in its raised position in alignment with the conveyor 156.

The electrical network of the improved apparatus is illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawing and includes a step-down transformer T for operating the various solenoid valves V, the primary of the transformer T being connected to a source of alternating current by way of a switch $1. One terminal of the low voltage secondary of the transformer T is grounded and the other terminal is connected by way of a line 2% to a first pole of the switch Sill, the first pole of the switch S15, the common contact of the switch S3 and to the normally open contact 913D of a spring-retarded push button switch S13. The switch S13 includes the normally closed contacts S137? 551d 8133 and the normally open contacts 813C and 813]). The contacts S138 and 513C are interconnected. Contacts 313A and 83133 are normally closed and are opened upon actuation of the switch S13 as the normally open contacts S13 and SEED are closed. Upon release the switch S13 returns to its normal position. The second pole of the switch Sitiis connected to the advance contact of the solenoid valve V3.

pletethe circuit therebetween.

it should be noted that the various solenoidvalves V are provided with advance contacts and retard contacts and with center taps which are grounded. Upon energization of either of the contacts the valve is thrown to a corresponding position which it retains until the energization of the opposite contact. The second pole of the switch S15 is connected to the arm 814A of a double throw eight pole switch S14'which is provided with ganged double throw arms 814A, 814B, 814C and S141) and with upper poles 814E, 814E and S146, corresponding to arms 814A, S1413, Si-1C and lower poles 814E and S141, corresponding to arms 814A and Sid-i). The switch pole 814E is connected to 'a first 'pole or" the switch S11, SMF to switch pole 513A, "$14G to the first pole of the switch S16, S141 to a source of alternating current and 8141-1 to a first pole of a timer switch TS the other pole of which connected 'by way of a line 2S1 to the second pole of the switch S11 and to the advance contacts of the Valves V2, V4 and V5. It should be noted that the timer switch TS when energized periodically momentarily 'shorts'the contacts thereof to com- The interval between successive closings of the c'ontacts'may be adjusted.

The switch arm 814B is connected to the retard conta'cts'of solenoid valves V4, V5, V6 and V7, to a'firs'tpole of the switch S7 and to the advance contact of the solenoid valve V3. The switch'arm 814C is connected to the line 2% and the switch arm 814D is connected to the timing motor of the switch "ST,-'the other contact of the timing motor being connected to the opposite pole of an alternating voltage source.

The function of the switch S14 is to 'alternativelyeffect the operation of the apparatus as timed by the feeding of loaded trays from the conveyor 156 to the platform 177 or to operate the apparatus in periodic intermittent manner when no trays are delivered to the platform 177. The operation of the apparatus is controlled by the delivery of trays when the arms of the switch S14 are in their uppermost position and is controlled by the timer switch TS when the arms are in their lower position. The switch pole 813B is connected to the retard contact of the solenoid valve V8, the switch S13 functioning to selectively return the platform 177 to tray-receiving position when the occasion should require.

four-pole double throw switch S12 is provided with arms 812A and S128 and an upper pole 812C corresponding to arm S123 and lower poles SiZD and 51213 corresponding to the arms 512A and 5123. The switch arm 512A is connected to the retract contact of valve V3 and to a first pole of the switch S2, the switch arm 812B being connected through and in series with the switches S4 and S5 to the second pole of the switch S2 and to the normally closed pole of the switch S3. The switch pole 812C is connected to the advance contact of valve V6, the advance contact of valve V1, the advance contact of the valve V7 and by way of a plug 2133 through a normally closed switch S17 to the switch pole 812E.

The switch S12 selectively activates a descreening mechanism following the conditioning apparatus and inserts the switch S17 into the circuit in order to interrupt the cycling of the improved conditioning apparatus when the activated descreeuing mechanism is not ready to receive the next successive tray from the conditioning apparatus. Such may occur when the descreening mechanism is of the type described in the hereinafter identified copending application Serial No. 537,763. When the switch S12 is in its lower position the descreening mechanism is activated and the normally closed switch S17 is in the circuit and when the switch S12 is in its upper position the switch S17 is shorted from the circuit and the screening mechanism is deactivated. When the descreening mechanism is not ready to receive a tray the switch S17 is open and is closed upon the descreening mechanism being ready for the recognition of a tray.

The normally open pole of the switch S3 is connected to the retard contact of the valve V2 and to a first pole of the switch S6 and a first pole of the switch S8. The second pole of the switch S6 is connected to the second pole of the switch S7 and the second pole of the switch S8 is connected to the first pole of the switch S? the second p'ole of which is connected to the retard contact of the solenoid valve V1. The second contact of the switch S16 is connected through solenoid of a time delay relay 2% *to ground, the time delay relay in turn actuating a buzzer 2%.

Considering now the mechanical and'ele'ctrical operation of the improved apparatus as actuated in accordance with the delivery of trays thereto, the arms of switches S12 and S14- are .in their upper position and FIGURE 2 illustrates the condition of the apparatus when it is in rest position and ready "toreceive .a loaded tray. A loaded tray T is delivered by the conveyor 156 onto the platform .177, the leading edge of tray T when completely resting on the platform 177 depressing the arm 179 to close the switch S10. Upon closure of the switch S 19 the advance contact of the valve V8 is energized thereby causing the piston of the cylinder C8 to retract, rocking the bracket 169 clockwise to a position where the platform 177 is in alignment with the feed opening 29 and a set of tray supporting elements 96. The legs 172 of the bracket 169 closes the switch S11 thereby energizing the line 231 which is connected 'by way of the closed switch S11, switch S14 and the closed switch S15 to the energized line 2%. The energization of the line 201 actuates the advance contacts of the valves V4, V5 and V2 to advance the piston rods of the respective cylinders C4 and C5 and to retract the piston C2. The retraction of the piston C2 eifects disengagementof the wheel 101) by the detent 107, and the advance :of the piston rods 139 of the cylinders C4 and C5 swings the tracks about the respective shafts 133 into a trayreceiving and transfer position. The raising of the piston rods 139 also effects a closing of the switches S4 and "S5 by the actuating arms 140 mounted on the piston rods v1 39 to connect the advance contacts of the solenoid valves V1, V6 and V7 to the energized line 200 by way of the switch S12 and the'closed switches 84,85 and-S3.

It should be noted that when the arms of the switch S12 are in their lower position in a manner opposite to that above set forth and the switch S17 is closed the advance contacts of the valves V1, V6 and V7 are connected to the power line through the switchesS17, S12, S4, S5 and S3. The energization of the advance contact of the valve V6 advances the piston of the cylinder C6 fromits right to its leftmost position as seen in FIGURE 2 motivating the sprocket chains 141 to carry the depending dogs 152 from their retracted to their advanced position to slide the uppermost trays in the compartments 2% and 26 along the tracks 135 into engagement with the aligned sets of tray supporting elements 95 in the sucessive respective compartments 21 and '27.

The piston rod 12? of the cylinder C7 is advanced from its left to its rightmost position motivating the sprocket chains 112, 113 and 114 and advancing the corresponding dogs 132 to transfer a tray from the platform 177 through a feed opening 29 to an awaiting aligned set of tray supporting elements 96; the lowermost tray in the compartment 21 through the opening "18 into the compartment 26 into engagement with a corresponding set of aligned supporting elements as and the lowermost tray in the compartment 27 through the dischargeiopening '31 The energization of the advance contact of the valve V1 causes the piston rod to move upwardly swinging'the arm 192 counterclockwise an angle corresponding to the distance between successive recesses 101 in the wheel 1%. The movement of the pistons of the cylinders C6 and C7 to their advance position efiects the opening of the switches SS and S9 and the closing of the switches S6 and S7 and the advancing of the arm 1S2 effects the return of the switches S2 and S15 to a normally open position and the opening of the normally closed and .the closing of the normally open poles of "the switch S3 to 11 deenergize the advance contacts of the solenoid valves V1 to V7. The closing of the normally open contact of the switch S3 elfects the energization of the retract contacts of the valves V4, V5, V5, V7 and VS by way of the closed switches S6 and S7 causing the piston rods of the cylinders C6 and C7 to retract elfecting the immediate opening of the switches 56 and S7 and the closing of the switches S8 and S9 when their respective pistons reach the end of their stroke. The conveyors and dogs motivated by the pistons C6 and C7 are returned to their retracted positions and the tracks 13- are retracted by the cylinders C4 and C5. The cylinder C8 is actuated to urge its piston rod forwardly and to swing the bracket 169 counterclockwise and return the platform 177 into alignment with the conveyor 156. The retard contact of the solenoid V2 is likewise energized upon closing of the normally open contact of the switch S3 to bring the detent 107 into engagement with the next successive recess 161 and the wheel 1% and the advance contact of the valve V3 is energized to actuate the cylinder C3 and carry the detent 169 out of engagement with the recess 101 of the wheel 1%. Upon closing of the switches SS and S9 consequent to the full return of the piston rods of the cylinder C6 and C7 the retard contact of the solenoid valve V1 is energized causing the retraction of the piston of the cylinder C1 to swing the arm 1G2 clockwise carrying with it the wheel 10!) to thus advance the conveyor sprocket chains 82 and 85 an increment corresponding to the distance between successive tray supporting elements 96. Upon return of the arm 192 to its fully retracted position the apparatus is in condition for the next successive cycle in the manner above set forth.

In the event that it is desired to advance the trays through the apparatus when no trays are delivered to the platform 177 or when the cabinet is employed without the automatic tray feeding control device, as will be hereinafter set forth, the switch S14 is thrown to its lowermost position which disconnects the switch S11 from the circuit and connects the timer TS. The timer TS delivers regularly spaced pulses to initiate the tray advancing and transfer cycle in the manner identical to the initiating of such cycle upon the momentary clos ing of the switch S11. Each successive closing of the contacts of the timer TS is equivalent to the closing of the switch S11. If, for some reason, the cylinder C8 does not return the platform 177 to its tray receiving position within the required time the switch S13 may be depressed to thereby energize the retract contact of the solenoid valve V3 and actuate the cylinder C8 to return the platform.

In FIGURES 11 through 14 of the drawing there is illustrated an alternate mechanism for feeding trays into the cabinet 10 through the feed opening 29, the alternative mechanism being employed when the conveyor system is regularly, periodically actuated by the timing switch TS or any other suitable timing device. The alternative tray feeding arrangement includes a rearwardly extending horizontal platform 21ft supported in alignment with the feed opening 29, the upper surface of the platform 219 being substantially coplanar with the set of tray supporting elements 96. A pair of longitudinal horizontal slots 211 are formed in the platform 21%, the platform being provided with depending flanges 212 along the edge of the slot 211. A longitudinally extending track member 213 of rectangular transverse cross section is disposed between each pair of flanges 212, the upper edge of the track 213 being located below the top face of the platform 210. Riding along the tracks 213 and supported thereby along their upper run are the sprocket chains 112 which travel about corresponding sprocket wheels 116a located Iearwardly of the trailing end of the track members 213. Each of the sprocket chains 112 carries a tray engaging dog 214 which is of substantial U-shaped cross section I having an upper cross arm 216 and depending flanges 217.

The leading edges of the flanges 217 include an upper downwardly rearwardly inclined portion 218 and a lower vertical portion 219 when the cross piece is in horizontal position. The dog 214 straddles a link 22% of the sprocket chain 112 and is rotatably secured thereto by means of a pin 221 which passes through aligned openings formed in the upper rear portion of the flanges 217 and in the sprocket chain links 22%, the pin being suitably locked in position.

Each of the flanges 217 has an arcuate slot 222 formed therein which is concentric with the pin 221 and which has formed in its trailing edge adjacent its upper and lower ends upper and lower shallow recesses 223 and 224 respectively. A transversely extending pin 226 engages the slots 222 and registers with longitudinally extending slots 227 formed in the links 22%. A helical tension spring 228 has its ends engaging the pins 221 and 226 to resiliently urge the pin 226 rearwardly so that the pin 226 will alternatively releasably seat in a recess 223 or 224.

Depending from the lower rear edge of each of the flanges 217 is an car 236 which carries an outwardly directed roller 232. Each of the platform depending flanges 212 carries an inwardly directed detent 233 adjacent its trailing end and a detent 234 adjacent its leading end, the detents 233 and 234 being in the path of the rollers 232 at the forward and rear termini of the travel of the dogs 214.

In operation, the sprocket chain 112 is periodically reciprocated in the manner previously set forth when the apparatus is controlled by the timing mechanism TS to carry the dogs 214 between their advanced and retracted position. As the dogs approach their retracted position the detents 233 strike the rollers 232 swinging the dogs 214 about the pins 221 to a raised position. As the dogs 214 are rotated towards their raised position the locking pin 226 is unseated from the recesses 223 and come to rest in the recesses 224. As the dogs are carried to their advanced position the rollers 232 strike the detents 234 to swing the dogs 214 clockwise to their depressed positions.

When a loaded tray is placed on the platform 219 the dogs 2-14 engage the edge of a tray and carry it through the feed opening 29 into the cabinets 19 onto a set of waiting tray supporting elements 96. In the event that when the tray is placed on the platform the dogs 214 are not in their retracted position but in their advanced position the dogs will be subsequently carried rearwardly beneath the level of the tray and thus not disturb the tray. Moreover, should the dogs be traveling during the disposition of a tray upon the platform 210 the weight of the tray will depress the dogs to their lower position permitting the dogs to complete their journey without any further interference and without movement of the tray.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of the copending patent application of Herbert T, Hunter filed September 30, 1955, Serial No. 537,763.

While there have been described and illustrated preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

We claim:

1. A treating apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending cabinet having a feed end and a discharge end and having openings formed adjacent said feed end and said discharge end, continuous conveyor means having longitudinally spaced successive vertical runs advancing in opposite vertical directions, means for intermittently actuating said conveying means for predetermined increments to define transport periods and intervening rest periods, a plurality of trays, support means mounted on said conveyors and releasably engaging the underfaces of said trays at spaced points along opposite sides thereof for carrying said trays, in vertically spaced horizontal positions, means automatically actuated during each rest period for transporting a tray through said feed opening into engagement with the corresponding tray support means, means automatically actuated during each rest period for advancing a tray from said conveyor through said discharge opening, means automatically actuated during each rest period, for shifting said trays from said conveyor means at the end of one of said vertical runs to said conveyor means at the next successive run, a tray supporting platform adjacent the feed opening of said cabinet, and means responsive to the deposition of a tray upon said platform for actuating said conveyor.

2. An improved apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for shifting said trays from one run of said conveyor to the next successive run thereof includes a pair of longitudinally extending sprocket chains disposed adjacent the upper and lower ends of said conveyor runs, said chains being provided with members projecting into the planes of the uppermost and lowermost of said trays and normally disposed adjacent the trailing ends of said respective trays during the advance of said conveyor, and means advancing and retracting said chains during the rest period of said conveyor.

3. An improved apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said lower tray shifting chain projects exterior to said feed and discharge openings whereby to effect the loading and unloading of said conveyor during said rest periods.

4. The improved apparatus in accordance with claim 2, including a pair of laterally spaced track members extending longitudinally across said vertical flights and disposed below said uppermost trays carried by said conveyor and means for alternately positioning said tracks into and out of vertical alignment with the side borders of said trays during the rest period and advance period of said conveyor respectively.

5. The improved apparatus in accordance with claim 1, including means for periodically intermittently advancing said conveyor.

6. The improved apparatus in accordance with claim 1, including means actuated by said tray responsive means prior to the advance of said conveyor for feeding said tray carried by said platform through said chamber, discharging a tray from said chamber through said discharge opening and shifting the trays within said chamber at the end of one vertical run to the next successive run.

7. A treating apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending cabinet having a feed end and a discharge end and having openings formed adjacent said feed end and said discharge end, continuous conveying means having longitudinally spaced successive vertical flights advancing opposite vertical directions, a plurality of trays, support means mounted on said conveyors for carrying said trays in vertically spaced horizontal positions, means for intermittently advancing said conveyor including an arm movable between an advanced and retracted position advancing said conveyor during the retraction of said arm, track members located adjacent the upper part of and extending across said vertical flights and movable in and out of the path of said trays, shifting means for transporting a tray through said feed opening into engagement with corresponding tray supporting members, shifting means for advancing a tray from said conveyor through said discharge opening, shifting means for transferring said trays from said conveyor at the end of said vertical flight to said conveyor at the next successive flight,

means responsive to the movement of said track members into the path of said trays to advance said tray shifting means and said arm, means responsive to the comple tion of the advance of said tray shifting means and said arm to retract said track members and said tray shifting means, and means responsive to the retraction of said tray shifting means to retract said arm.

8. A treating apparatus in accordance with claim 7, including a forwardly upwardly inclined continuous conveyor, a tiltable tray platform normally coplanar with an extending from the leading end of said continuous conveyor, and means responsive to the deposition of a tray on said platform for swinging said platform to a horizontal plane in alignment with said feed opening.

9. A treating apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein said means transporting a tray through said feed opening comprises an upwardly directed dog movable horizontally through said feed opening between an advanced position within said cabinet and retracted position external to said cabinet and including means adjacent to said advance position for depressing said dog, and means adjacent to said retracted position for raising said dog.

10. A tray transporting and storing apparatus comprising a first pair of transversely spaced parallel endless conveyor chains having laterally spaced leading and trailing vertical end runs; a second pair of transversely spaced, parallel, endless conveyor chains having laterally spaced leading and trailing vertical end runs spaced laterally in- Wardly relative to the corresponding end runs of said first pair of conveyor chains, said trailing conveyor chains defining a trailing conveyor and said leading conveyor chains defining a leading conveyor; means for advancing said conveyor chains at equal speeds and in the same sense to advance each of said conveyors from a feed end to a discharge end; regularly spaced tray supporting elements carried by said chains; and means for shifting a tray from the discharge end of the trailing conveyor to the feed end of the leading conveyor.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 636,826 Miehle Nov. 14, 1899 770,486 White Sept. 20, 1904 1,123,934 Schrafit Jan. 5, 1915 1,458,881 Gromer June 12, 1923 1,646,259 Roberts Oct. 18, 1927 1,675,260 Edmunds June 26, 1928 1,689,099 Applegate Oct. 23, 1928 1,736,935 Navarre Nov. 26, 1929 1,780,486 Jennings Nov. 4, 1930 1,837,605 Baker Dec. 22, 1931 1,882,317 Cornell Oct. 11, 1932 1,889,846 Wright Dec. 6, 1932 1,934,835 Weiss Nov. 14, 1933 2,251,197 Nestmann July 29, 1941 2,274,842 McCann Mar. 3, 1942 2,305,078 Harford Dec. 15, 1942 2,594,346 Preis Apr. 29, 1952 2,668,614 Lawson Feb. 9, 1954 2,783,545 Booth Mar. 5, 1957 2,797,795 West July 2, 1957 2,897,949 Huisking Aug. 4, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 185,460 Great Britain Sept. 4, 1922 

1. A TREATING APPARATUS COMPRISING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING CABINET HAVING A FEED END AND A DISCHARGE END AND HAVING OPENINGS FORMED ADJACENT SAID FEED END AND SAID DISCHARGE END, CONTINUOUS CONVEYOR MEANS HAVING LONGITUDINALLY SPACED SUCCESSIVE VERTICAL RUNS ADVANCING IN OPPOSITE VERTICAL DIRECTIONS, MEANS FOR INTERMITTENTLY ACTUATING SAID CONVEYING MEANS FOR PREDETERMINED INCREMENTS TO DEFINE TRANSPORT PERIODS AND INTERVENING REST PERIODS, A PLURALITY OF TRAYS, SUPPORT MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID CONVEYORS AND RELEASABLY ENGAGING THE UNDERFACES OF SAID TRAYS AT SPACED POINTS ALONG OPPOSITE SIDES THEREOF FOR CARRYING SAID TRAYS IN VERTICALLY SPACED HORIZONTAL POSITIONS, MEANS AUTOMATICALLY ACTUATED DURING EACH REST PERIOD FOR TRANSPORTING A TRAY THROUGH SAID FEED OPENING INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CORRESPONDING TRAY SUPPORT MEANS, MEANS AUTOMATICALLY ACTUATED DURING EACH REST PERIOD FOR ADVANCING A TRAY FROM SAID CONVEYOR THROUGH SAID DISCHARGE OPENING MEANS AUTOMATICALLY ACTUATED DURING EACH REST PERIOD, FOR SHIFTING SAID TRAYS FROM SAID CONVEYOR MEANS AT THE END OF ONE OF SAID VERTICAL RUNS TO SAID CONVEYOR MEANS AT THE NEXT SUCCESSIVE RUN, A TRAY SUPPORTING PLATFORM ADJACENT THE FEED OPENING OF SAID CABINET, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE DEPOSITION OF A TRAY UPON SAID PLATFORM FOR ACTUATING SAID CONVEYOR. 